15 Best Food Near Desaru Coast (Seafood Included)
If you are thinking about food near Desaru Coast, then you are in the right place!
Despite the local food options outside of the coast, most guests will stay within the Desaru Coast resort area.
That’s because you will need your transport to travel out, which can be inconvenient.
But don’t worry, you have a wide range of cuisine to choose from just within Desaru Coast!
Especially restaurants at Hard Rock Desaru, Westin Desaru, and Anantara Desaru are within walking distance!
Read on as we explore the best Desaru food guide for your taste buds!
1. Turmeric (Anantara Resort)
2. Sea.Fire.Salt. (Anantara Resort)
3. Prego (Westin Resort)
4. Lembah (The Els Desaru Coast)
5. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
6. The Mesh Restaurant (Four Point By Sheraton)
7. Super Lobster Village
8. Jade Garden Seafood Corner
9. Sengat Seafood Restaurant
10. Lotus Seafood Restaurant
11. Desaru Seafood Corner
12. Ayam Penyet Z&Z Desaru (Local Malay Food)
13. Yard & Co. (Seaview Cafe)
14. YAM 918 Restaurant (Curry Fish Head)
15. Rasa Sayang Kopitiam (Bandar Penawar)
1. Turmeric (Anantara Resort)
Cuisine: Asian, Thai, Malaysian
If you are looking for some delicious Asian Desaru food, Turmeric, Anantara’s main restaurant, hits the spot with its dishes and buffet spread.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Reasonably priced meals with mains costing around RM 75 to RM 100
- Wide variety of food options with a cozy ambiance
Also read: What To Do In Desaru
Recommended Food:
- Som Tam
- Tom Yum Goong
Things To Note:
- There is an ala carte menu upon request during lunch and dinner
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available
- Spot the resident cat, Ginger!
- Accessible by shuttle bus
Opening Hours: +607-828 0888
Contact: Daily: 6:30am – 10:30pm
2. Sea.Fire.Salt. (Anantara Resort)
Cuisine: Seafood and Bar
A short walk from Westin Hotel, this is the best food in Desaru for steak and seafood! The salt represents the 10 varieties of salt used in different dishes.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- High-quality dishes with a poolside view!
Recommended Food:
- Beef Rossini
- Seafood Bouillabaisse
- Seafood platter
- Australian beef tomahawk
Things To Note:
- There are gluten-free options and a kid’s menu available
- Please make reservations in advance as this place is often fully booked
- Accessible by shuttle bus
For a more detailed overview of restaurants at Anantara Desaru Resort, check it out here: 4 Restaurant of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 10:30pm
Contact: +607-828 0888
3. Prego (Westin Resort)
Cuisine: Italian
If you are looking for the best Westin Desaru food, head to Prego for some tantalizing delights with authentic Italian flavor!
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Generous food portions including complimentary desserts and appetizers
- Cozy outdoor ambiance with sea views
- Desserts are to die for!
Also read: 2D1N Westin Desaru Coast Resort Review
Recommended Food:
- Sea-crusted seabass
- Stone-fired Oven Pizza
- Portobello Mushrooms
- Carbonara
- Osso Bucco
Things To Note:
- Book a reservation in advance as they do not do walk-ins
- Pork-free restaurant
- Accessible by shuttle bus
- Strictly smart casual attire
For more dining options at Westin Desaru Resort, check them out here: 5 Dining Option In Westin Desaru Coast
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Closed on: Monday
Contact: +607-838 3333/ +6019-755 0283
4. Lembah (The Els Desaru Coast)
Cuisine: Indian and Fijian
If you are looking for where to eat in Desaru coast, check out this place, especially after a golf game at The Els Club!
Also read: 11 Top Seafood Restaurants In Johor Bahru
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Reasonably-priced meals
- Wide selection of local and Indian cuisine
Recommended Food:
- Biryani
- Thali set
Things To Note:
- Outdoor seats are available
- Call in advance if you want the Thali set
- Accessible by Desaru Coast shuttle bus from Westin Desaru, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru and Anantara Desaru
- Kids eat for free on weekends (with the purchase of an adult meal)
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Closed on: Monday to Wednesday
Contact: +607-878 0005
5. Nelayan Seafood By The Coast
Cuisine: Seafood
Another Desaru food choice would be this fresh seafood restaurant that comes with two private rooms for a cozy gathering!
Also read: Desaru Fruit Farm
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- The closest view to Desaru Beach!
- Serves a fusion of Chinese and Malay-style seafood dishes
Recommended Food:
- Mongolian Fried Chicken
- King Prawns
- Salted Egg Squid
- Grilled stingray
Things To Note:
- Indoor and outdoor seats are available (best to sit indoor to avoid flies)
- Ample parking available
- Book in advance as it can be crowded during dinner
- Their dishes are pork-free
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Contact: +607-833 8803
6. The Mesh Restaurant (Four Points By Sheraton)
Cuisine: Asian fusion
When it comes to good food in Desaru, this restaurant is highly rated for its ala-carte menu and buffet spread throughout the day.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Generous portion of ala-carte meals
- Wide selection of fusion cuisine
- Occasional live band performance by a cozy bar and lounge area
Recommended Food:
- XO Fried Rice
- Pesto pasta
- Seafood BBQ
- Rack of lamb
Things To Note:
- It is wheelchair-accessible
- Plenty of vegetarian options available
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 6:00am – 10:30am, 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Saturday to Sunday: 6:30am – 11:00am, 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:30pm – 11:30pm
Contact: +6017-239 9163
7. Super Lobster Village
Cuisine: Seafood
This Desaru Chinese food restaurant can be easily spotted with its wooden “village house”. Known for its Australian lobsters and black pepper crab, you will be craving more!
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Spacious and airy ambiance
- Food is served quickly, along with fresh seafood!
Also read: How To Go Desaru Coast From Singapore
Recommended Food:
- Salted Egg Squid
- Chilli Crab
Things To Note:
- You may get additional discounts by leaving Google reviews
- There are vegetarian options (equally tasty!)
- Muslim-friendly restaurant with prayer rooms available
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Contact: +6016-790 8528
8. Jade Garden Seafood Corner
Cuisine: Seafood
Just a short 30-minute drive from Hard Rock hotel, taste a wide variety of fresh seafood with a sea view, including live lobsters!
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Value-for-money with a generous portion of seafood
- Perfect for big gatherings!
Recommended Food:
- Chilli Crab
- Salted Egg Seafood
- Australian lobsters with superior broth
Things To Note:
- This is a Muslim-friendly restaurant
- Air-conditioned establishment
- There is Wi-Fi accessibility
- Indoor and outdoor seatings available
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Monday
Contact: +6017-794 5695
9. Sengat Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine: Seafood
Located nearby the famous Teluk Sengat Jetty, this small fishing village restaurant will make you feel right at home with its local dishes!
Also read: Public Beach At Westin Desaru Coast
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Affordable dishes fit for a family with large portions
- Situated nearby attractions such as the crocodile farm
Recommended Food:
- Steamed Flower Crab
- Nyonya Steam Fish
- Hot Plate Tofu
- Fried Baby Squid
Things To Note:
- Outdoor seating available
Opening Hours:
Contact: +6013-889 7798
10. Lotus Seafood Restaurant
Cuisine: Seafood
Tucked inside Lotus Desaru Resort & Spa and formerly known as Rhu Seafood Restaurant, it is an open-aired establishment with a wide variety of cuisine while enjoying the sea breeze.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- You can have Malay, Thai, Korean, and Western cuisine here
Recommended Food:
- Tom Yam Soup
- Kam Heong Crab
- Grilled Garlic Prawn
Things To Note:
- The area is shared with 4 other restaurants within the Lotus brand
- Plenty of free parking available
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Friday, Saturday, Eve of Public Holiday & School Holiday: 11:00am – 12:00am
Contact: +6012-245 0881
11. Desaru Seafood Corner
Cuisine: Seafood
One of the best Halal food in Desaru area, they have plenty of fresh live seafood in display (so you know that it’s fresh from the tank!)
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Free shuttle bus service to and fro the hotel
- Spacious for large family gatherings
Recommended Food:
- Lobster Crispy Rice (only available during non-peak hours)
- Golden Pumpkin Lobster
- Ginger Chicken
- Oyster Omelette
- Baked Cheese Oysters
Also read: Desaru Ferry Schedule
Things To Note:
- Outdoor seating available
- Often crowded with tourists, it is best to make reservations early
Opening Hours: Daily: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Contact: +6010-530 9267
12. Ayam Penyet Z&Z Desaru
Cuisine: Malay
Literally translated as Smashed Fried Chicken in Malay, this restaurant in Bandar Penawar serves a simple dish that comes with meat, rice, soup, and a set of vegetables on the side.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Tastiest sambal ever with the right heat!
- No frills restaurant with a fast service – great for a quick lunch or dinner
Recommended Food:
- Fried Chicken
- Ikan Siakap
Things To Note:
- Outdoor seating available
Opening Hours: Daily: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Contact: +6016-775 3975
13. Yard & Co.
Cuisine: Western fusion
If you are still debating what to eat in Desaru, then this cafe may change your mind! Step into this cafe by the seaside with lots of Instagrammable shots to be taken!
Also read: Desaru Alpaca Animal Farm
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- Breathtaking view of the South China Sea – perfect for a chill day out
- Calming environment while sipping on refreshing beverages such as their Rose Latte or Kombucha
Recommended Food:
- Yard Breakfast
- Laksa Pasta
- Tiramisu
- Milk Mochi
Things To Note:
- Come in the evening to catch the sunset!
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Contact: +6011-5583 3319
14. YAM 918 Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian
This is the best place to be if you are figuring out what to eat in Desaru whether it’s lunch or dinner. With a wide variety of dishes that are simple yet affordable, you are in for a treat!
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- “Wok Hei” smoky flavors in their dishes
- Generous portions that are valued for money
Recommended Food:
- Curry Fish Head
- Cereal Prawns
Things To Note:
- Vegetarian options available
- You can choose to sit outdoors
- A Muslim-friendly restaurant that does not serve lark, pork, or alcohol
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
Contact: +6010-883 3065
15. Rasa Sayang Kopitiam
Cuisine: Asian
A simple local coffee shop with old-school vibes, this restaurant serves mainly Malay fusion meals such as ayam penyet and mee soto.
Why I Choose This Restaurant:
- A tasty range of local delights
- Decently priced meals
Recommended Food:
- Nasi Lemak
- Mee Goreng
- Ayam Penyet
- Steamed bun with kaya butter
Things To Note:
- Free street parking is available
- Air-conditioned space with fans
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Closed on: Wednesday
Contact: +60111-125 9198
